CAT6A Cable Delivers Enhanced Capabilities for PoE Applications

CAT6A cable, also known as augmented CAT6, meets a demand for higher data transmission rates over longer distances. It is a solid copper cable that offers enhanced PoE capabilities compared to alternatives, giving you maximum flexibility, including larger bundle sizes, without the heat build-up of previous solutions.

What is PoE?

PoE, or Power over Ethernet, allows you to transmit data and electricity over a single CATX cable. It saves money in reduced equipment costs, and it offers you the flexibility to install devices wherever they are needed, instead of near available power. Once common only for VoIP phones, PoE can be used to power an increasing range of devices. It is an ideal solution for wireless access points mounted to walls or ceilings. It is also frequently used for deployments of security cameras, which may be located in parking lots, on the sides of buildings, in public spaces or in other remote locations. Find out more.

Solid Copper Wire vs. Stranded Copper Wire

Cabling is commonly available in solid and stranded varieties. Solid copper wire has conductors made of solid copper. It is often used in horizontal applications, such as in walls, ceilings and conduit. Solid cabling is more rigid than stranded copper wire and can transmit signals over longer distances. Other features include lower attenuation and lower cost. One disadvantage is that it is more likely to break with repetitive bending.

Stranded copper has conductors made of fine filaments twisted together to create a thicker wire. It is more flexible than solid copper and can be used for patch cables or shorter network cables that require bending during use. Stranded copper results in high attenuation over long runs due to heat build-up, so it is better for use in shorter runs. It often comes at a higher cost than solid copper, but it is not likely to break, even when bent repeatedly.

CAT6A vs. Alternatives

CAT6A solid copper wire delivers higher performance than alternatives. It is capable of transmitting 10-gigabit Ethernet for a distance of 100 meters, which is significantly more than CAT6’s distance of 33-55 meters. CAT6A cable offers transmission bandwidth frequency of 500 MHz, double that of CAT6 cabling. Additionally, CAT6A cable has improved alien crosstalk characteristics due to insulation and additional, tighter twisting. CAT6A cable comes in gauges of 23AWG wire. By comparison, CAT6 comes in 23-24AWG wire. The increased diameter of CAT6A cable allows for reduced resistance, lower temperature and minimal power waste. If you’re planning a large installation in one place, be aware that it also takes up more space.

High-performance networks depend on the right cabling solutions to deliver speed and power when and where they need it. CAT6A cable is considered future-proof technology that can meet the needs of healthcare, educational institutions, the military and more. Click to learn more about the CAT6A solid copper wire portfolio from Black Box.